Real Estate Investing in Arlington, Virginia (22203)

Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.

Arlington County • Population: 25,921 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 22203 (Arlington, VA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
CAUTION
Grade D (42/100)

Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.

📈 For Investors
WEAK
2.0 / 5 (33/100)

Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.

⚠️ Risks to Know
1 flag
  • Declining values: -0.3% 5-year CAGR — values have moved lower.

What’s happening in Arlington, VA (22203)?

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2.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

1.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

3.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $650,363
Avg Monthly Rent $3,026
1% Rule ✗ Does Not Meet
Median Income $123,315
% Renters 68.6%

Market Analysis: 22203 Arlington

The 22203 ZIP covers a section of Arlington that demands careful diligence. Prices near $650K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.

The investment case in 22203 is solid only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $650K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.

Statewide comparisons place 22203 among VA's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.

Demographically, 22203 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.

New investors are better served looking at Arlington's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 22203. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.

Explore the Data — Click a Tab Below
🏦 Current 30-yr Fixed Mortgage Rate: 6.76% as of Sep 10 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Arlington:

C Below Average
Buy Confidence Score: 51/100
Affordability
10/25
Appreciation
5/25
Stability
13/20
Timing
8/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Expensive
Homes cost 5.3× the median income
Value Trend
Stable (+1.6%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $3,026/mo if you need to move
Market Conditions
BALANCED
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
Bottom Line: This market may be challenging for buyers. Consider your timing and budget carefully.
🏠

Property Strategy for 22203

Which property type performs best in this market?

Best for Cash Flow
1BR
5.2% cap rate
Best for Appreciation
5BR
+4.6% 5yr CAGR
Best Overall Value
5BR
$283,309/bedroom
📊 Compare All Property Types →
Type Median Value Est. Rent Cap Rate 5yr CAGR $/Bedroom
1BR $375,641 $2,730 5.2% +0.4% $375,641
2BR $593,749 $3,040 3.7% +0.2% $296,875
3BR $984,541 $3,840 2.8% +3.6% $328,180
4BR $1,163,246 $4,510 2.8% +4.3% $290,811
5BR $1,416,544 +4.6% $283,309

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$684K$639K$593K$548K$502K$457KJul 2006Jul 2016Jul 2026

Rent History (with trend line)

$3,099$2,886$2,674$2,461$2,248$2,035Dec 2016Oct 2021Jul 2026

📊 How Does 22203 Compare?

Metric 22203 Arlington Virginia
Home Value $650,363 $739,441 $403,170
5-Year CAGR N/A 1.5% 6.4%
Avg Rent $3,026 $2,997 -
Cap Rate 3.6% 3.1% -
💡 Why Invest in 22203? Click to expand

69% of households rent in this area, creating consistent tenant demand for landlords.

📊 See where this ZIP ranks in our Best-of lists →
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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 22203 (Arlington, VA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Investability
Fair
Cap Rate
3.6%
Low
5yr Growth
-0.3%
Declining

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $650,363
Monthly Rent $3,026
Price-to-Rent 17.9:1
1% Rule ✗ Fails

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 5.6%
Cap Rate 3.6%
5-Year IRR 3.4%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +1.6% ▲
3-Year CAGR +1.2% ▲
5-Year CAGR -0.3% ▼
10-Year CAGR +1.6% ▲

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year +2.4% ▲
3-Year CAGR +3.3% ▲
5-Year CAGR +4.3% ▲
Negative Leverage — IRR / Tax Play Cap Rate: 3.6%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage reduces cash returns at current rates.

The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.6%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.

Run an IRR Analysis →

⚠️ Risk Signals

Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.

Vacancy
7.0%
Low risk
Landlord Climate
5.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
-0.3%
Flat
Eviction process: Fast Rent control: Favorable

Demographics in 22203

Population: 25,921

💰 Median Household Income
$123,315
This area
$123,315
State
$80,295
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
68.6%
This area
68.6%
State
25.7%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
2.3%
This area
2.3%
State
-18.5%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
76.6%
This area
76.6%
State
4.0%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
33.1 years
This area
33.1 years
State
9.9 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
7.0%
This area
7.0%
State
16.4%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 62.7%
Other/Mixed 16.5%
Hispanic/Latino 12.5%
Asian 12.0%
Black/African American 8.8%
👶 Under 18
15.4%
This area
15.4%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
12.4%
This area
12.4%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
4.7%
This area
4.7%
USA
11.5%

Crime & Safety

🚧

Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon

We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.

Expected: Q1 2025

🎓 Schools in 22203

A+ Avg School Grade
2 Schools
5.8:1 Avg Class Size
$27,865 Avg Per Pupil

Schools in This ZIP Code

A+ Excellent

Barrett Elementary

📚 Pre-K – 05 Elementary
👥
519 Students
👨‍🏫
9.3:1 Class Size
💰
$27,865 Per Student
A Very Good

Integration Station

📚 Grade PK Elementary
👥
31 Students
👨‍🏫
2.3:1 Class Size
💰
$27,865 Per Student

Nearby Schools (5 more)

Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area

A+ Excellent

Ashlawn Elementary

📚 Pre-K – 05 Elementary
📍 5950 N. 8th Road, Arlington
👥
529 Students
👨‍🏫
10.5:1 Class Size
💰
$27,865 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Barcroft Elementary

📚 Pre-K – 05 Elementary
📍 625 S Wakefield St, Arlington
👥
474 Students
👨‍🏫
10.5:1 Class Size
💰
$27,865 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Campbell Elementary

📚 Pre-K – 05 Elementary
📍 737 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington
👥
406 Students
👨‍🏫
10.4:1 Class Size
💰
$27,865 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Carlin Springs Elementary

📚 Pre-K – 05 Elementary
📍 5995 South 5th Road, Arlington
👥
547 Students
👨‍🏫
10.7:1 Class Size
💰
$27,865 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary

📚 Pre-K – 05 Elementary
📍 3500 South 23rd Street, Arlington
👥
435 Students
👨‍🏫
9.0:1 Class Size
💰
$27,865 Per Student
About Repit School Scores

Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.

We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:

  • Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
  • School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
  • Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
  • School Environment — Size, type, and structure

Scores are updated annually using federal education data.

🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities

8 Nearby
D
Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Lafayette-Arlington
211 students · 0.4 mi
D
Strayer University-Virginia
2,382 students · 2.1 mi
C
Marymount University
3,667 students · 2.3 mi
D
Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage
87 students · 2.4 mi
C
University of Management and Technology
1,167 students · 2.9 mi
B+
Georgetown University
20,392 students · 3.3 mi
C
DeVry University-Virginia
32 students · 3.7 mi
C
National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts
25 students · 3.7 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical home price in Arlington, VA?

Expect median prices around $650K in Arlington, VA. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been measured.

What do rentals go for in Arlington, VA?

Investors in Arlington, VA typically see rents near $3,026/mo per month against $650K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.

Which investment style suits Arlington, VA?

Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Arlington, VA. The numbers - $650K homes against $3,026/mo rents - support that play.

Is Arlington, VA landlord-friendly?

Arlington, VA falls under VA landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.

What is the renter demographic in Arlington, VA?

Arlington, VA draws a consistent base of working renters. Demand at the $3,026/mo rent level is reasonable for standard single-family and small multi rentals.

You know 22203 now. You don’t know where it ranks.

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How 22203 ranks in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

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Cash Flow → Appreciation → Affordable →
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